§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how much fish has been destroyed at United Kingdom ports during the past six months; and for what reasons?
§ Mr. MabaneDuring the six months ended 30th September, 1943, the quantity of white fish condemned at the principal ports was 43,012 cwts. or 1.1 per cent. of landings. Nearly all this fish had been brought by carrier vessels from long distances and was in bad condition on arrival. In the same peroid, 3,768 cwts. of herring, or 0.4 per cent. of landings, were destroyed: on four occasions the fish could not be marketed in a fit condition for consumption, and on one occasion the fishermen would not sell at the price offered by the merchants. Of the cargoes of imported salt fish discharged during this period and so far examined, 2,262 cwts. or 7.1 per cent. were found to have deteriorated and were condemned.